Dr. Daniel A. Smith, American State and Local Government, Fall 2007

American State and Local Government Fall 2007
POS 2112 MW 11:45am-12:35pm (Period 5)

Turlington L007 & TA Discussion Sections

Dr. Daniel A. Smith

Office: 003 Anderson
Office Hours: M&W 12:45-2:45pm (and by appointment)

Phone: 352.392.0262 x279

Home Page: www.clas.ufl.edu/users/dasmith/

Course Description

State and local governments affect the daily lives of all persons living in the United States. While they have always been important in the formulation and implementation of public policies in the US, their role has increased considerably during the past 20 years. Some observers have called this trend a “resurgence in the states,” as state and local governments have become entrepreneurial actors in realms as diverse as education, corrections, economic development and land use planning, health care, homeland security, environmental protection, and welfare. As state and local governments have taken on more programmatic responsibilities, they have also taken over much of the fiscal responsibility for their innovations. This course examines the politics, institutions, and policy processes of state and local governments. We will strive to assess how (or if) variation in state political institutions shape the politics and policies in different states. Specifically, we will take advantage of our location and focus on the politics, governmental structures, and policies in Florida, Alachua County, and the City of Gainesville. By examining our immediate surroundings, while noting the general patterns and differences across states and localities, we will be able to provide coherence that would not be possible in an effort to understand all state and local governments.

In order to facilitate class discussions, students are encouraged to keep abreast of state and local politics in Florida. There are three excellent web sites that provide links to newspaper accounts dealing with Florida state and local politics:

http://flapolitics.blogspot.com/ http://www.sayfiereview.com/ http://fortreport.com/

Course Requirements

Required Texts (available at local bookstores; copies also on reserve at Library West)

Colburn & deHaven-Smith, Florida’s Megatrends (Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 2002)

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, State and Local Politics: Institutions and Reform (Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008)

In addition, all of the on-line readings (hypertext links are provided in the on-line syllabus) are required. You should print these readings out immediately, as the hypertext links may change.

Attendance/Participation
Students are expected to do the readings, attend class, and participate in discussion sections. My lectures will be organized around the topics and readings found in the schedule that follows. I tend to lecture in an quasi-interactive fashion. In order for this to be a successful course, it is imperative that you do the assigned readings before class, give yourself time to think about them, and prepare yourself to discuss them in class and especially in your discussion section. Attendance in your discussion section is mandatory, and the Teaching Assistants (TAs) will take attendance. You must attend the discussion section for which you are officially enrolled. If you cannot attend class on a regular basis, I would urge you to drop this class immediately. Your attendance and participation (in your discussion section and in the general lecture) will count as 10% of your final grade.

Reaction Papers
In order to facilitate participation in the TAs’ discussion sections, students will write four “reaction papers.” Reaction papers are to be critical commentaries (and not mere summaries) on the assigned readings for the week, excluding chapters from the Donovan, Mooney, and Smith text. Students may choose from any of the 13 opportunities to write four reaction papers.

Each reaction paper is to be two double-spaced pages (10 or 12 point font) and may be written in the first person. There is no need to provide a bibliography/reference page. You should not summarize or recap what is in the readings; instead, explain, compare, and criticize them.

Your reaction papers will be graded on the following:

1) A clear introductory statement of your thesis.

2) A demonstration that you understand the readings.

3) Your ability to assemble evidence to support your argument.

4) Your ability to write a succinct, well-organized, well-edited short essay.

The papers are due at the beginning of your designated discussion period. Each of the four reaction papers is worth five points, for a total of 20% of your final grade. TAs will accept no late reaction papers and you are not permitted to submit a reaction paper for readings covered from a prior week.

“Pop” Quizzes
There will be 10 unannounced “pop” quizzes during my general lectures. The quizzes will be on the readings assigned for that day’s class. Quizzes will typically be multiple choice or true/false questions and are designed to show evidence that you’ve done the readings. Each quiz is worth two points, for a total of 20% of your final grade. No makeup quizzes will be permitted except for official University functions that are brought to Dr. Smith’s attention prior to the class you will miss.

Midterm and Final Exams
There are two exams: a midterm and a final. The final is not cumulative. Both exams will test your knowledge of the material covered in the lectures and in the assigned readings. The exams may have short answer and multiple choice questions. Each exam is worth 25% of your final grade. Makeup exams are not permitted except in extenuating circumstances, and may only be arranged by Dr. Smith (and not the TAs). An unexcused absence on an exam will result in a failing grade for that exam.

Extra Credit

Students have several opportunities to earn extra credit toward their final grade. Prior to both the midterm and final exam, students may submit up to three multiple choice questions drawn from the Donovan, Mooney, and Smith text. The question and answer format must conform to this template. Only one question may come from any one chapter of the text. The TAs will select exemplary questions, keeping in mind the need to have questions covering topics in all the chapters. For every one of your questions that is selected to appear on the midterm or final exams, you will receive one point added to your final grade. All questions submitted become the property of Professor Smith, and the TAs and I reserve the right to modify the submitted questions. To be considered for extra credit, students must email their midterm exam questions to their TA as an attached Word document by 5pm, October 10, and their final exam questions by 5pm, December 3. Students may also receive two points of extra credit by attending a city commission meeting and writing up a 2-3 page critical analysis of the proceedings. The commission meets on Mondays, at 1pm, in the City Hall Auditorium, 200 E. University Ave. The critical analysis must be turned to your TA during the discussion section of the week you attended the meeting.

Summary of Grading
“Reaction Papers”                                               20% (4 x 5% each)
“Pop” Quizzes                                                      20% (10 x 2% each)
Midterm Exam                                                       25%
Final Exam                                                             25%

Discussion Attendance/Participation 10%

Grading

The following cutoffs will be used for grades:

A 90-100

B+ 88-89

B 80-87

C+ 78-79

C 70-77

D+ 68-69

D 60-67

E 59 & below

I do not “curve” exams or final grades. As such, everyone in class may receive an ‘A.’ Only in the rarest of circumstances will I grant an Incomplete (‘I’).

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

All students are expected to abide by the UF Honor Code, which reads, in part: “I affirm that this work in its entirety is mine alone, and that I have received no outside assistance from anyone else, including classmates, other students, or faculty. I understand that plagiarism, seeking or receiving other unauthorized assistance, or any false representations regarding this exam [or other work] are serious offenses punishable under the Student Honor Code.” Any student transgressing UF’s Honor Code will receive an ‘E’ for the course and will be referred to the appropriate University authorities for disciplinary action.

Classroom Decorum

This is a large lecture class. Please be respectful of those students around you. The use of electronic devices such as cell phones and iphones, beepers, PDAs, ipods and mp3s, and other handheld devices in class is prohibited. Please turn them off prior to the lecture. You may use a laptop to take notes if you so desire, but please limit the use of your laptop to taking notes. Florida law forbids the surreptitious recording or filming of conversations without the consent of all parties. If you’d like to record my lectures, please get my permission first; recordings may be for your personal use only. I expressly do not grant permission to copy, transcribe, reproduce, or otherwise publicly disseminate materials from my lectures.

Students with Special Needs

It is the responsibility of students requiring any special accommodation for this course to make an appointment to see me at the beginning of the semester. I will make every effort possible to meet your needs in accordance to University guidelines.

Office Hours

If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to consult either me or your TA during our weekly office hours. You may drop by during our scheduled office hours, or you may email us. Unfortunately, due to CLAS budget cuts, we will not be able to respond to any phone messages that are long distance.
Course Schedule

Section I: State Politics in a Federal System

Lecture 1 Course Overview: Studying State & Local Governments

27 August Readings:

None

Lecture 2 Political Institutions and Cultures of State & Local Governments

29 August Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 1

Bryce, “Nature of the American State”

Smith, “Adios, Republican Stronghold”

Discussion 1 Political Institutions and Cultures of State & Local Governments

30 & 31 Aug Reaction Paper #1 Due

3 Sept Labor Day: NO CLASS

Lecture 3 History of American Federalism

5 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 2

Hamilton, “Federalist #17”

Madison, “Federalist #45”

Discussion 2 History of American Federalism

6 or 7 Sept Reaction Paper #2 Due

Lecture 4 Federalism: State Politics within a Federal System

10 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 2

Nathan, “In latest cycle, liberals leaning toward states' rights”

Lecture 5 Federalism: State Politics within a Federal System

12 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 2

Peterson, “Legislators sound warning on federal rules”
Derthick, “American Federalism: Half-Full or Half-Empty?”

Discussion 3 Federalism: State Politics within a Federal System

13 or 14 Sept Reaction Paper #3 Due

(Rosh Hashanah)

Section II: Linkages between Citizens and States

Lecture 6 Participation, Elections and Representation

17 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 3

Peirce, “Heavy mistrust of elections' honesty”

Lecture 7 Participation, Elections and Representation

19 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 3

Demos, “Democracy Denied”

Discussion 4 Participation, Elections and Representation

20 or 21 Sept Reaction Paper #4 Due

Lecture 8 Direct Democracy

24 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 4 (sections 1-9)

Smith & Tolbert, “Educated by Initiative”

Prah, “Anti-tax ballot box revolt stifled”

Lecture 9 Direct Democracy in Florida

26 Sept Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 4 (sections 10-13)

Salinero, “Businesses Fight Push For Land Use Overhaul”

Smith, “Testimony before the Florida House of Representatives”

Discussion 5 Direct Democracy

27 or 28 Sept Reaction Paper #5 Due

Lecture 10 Political Parties

1 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 5

Vock, “Primary scramble prompts calls to slow down”

Lecture 11 Political Parties

3 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 5

Kelderman and Prah, “Elections bring Blue Wave”

Discussion 6 Political Parties

4 or 5 Oct Reaction Paper #6 Due

Lecture 12 Interest Groups

8 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 6

Kelderman, “Statehouse lobbying close to $1 billion”

Lecture 13 Interest Groups

10 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 6

Thomas & Hrebenar, “Who’s Got Clout”

Discussion 7 Interest Groups

12 or 13 Oct Reaction Paper #7 Due

Lecture 14 Elections and Representation: Campaign Finance

15 Oct Readings:

Kelderman, “Politicking 527s target states, not Congress”
NCSL, “Contribution Limits” (skim charts)

MIDTERM EXAM (closed book, closed notes)

17 Oct

18 or 19 Oct NO DISCUSSION SECTIONS

Lecture 15 Florida’s Political History

22 Oct Readings:

Colburn & deHaven-Smith, chapters 1-3

Lecture 16 Florida’s Political History

24 Oct Readings:

Colburn & deHaven-Smith, chapters 4-6

Discussion 8 Political History of Florida

25 or 26 Oct Reaction Paper #8 Due

Section III: Institutions and Processes

Lecture 17 State Legislatures

29 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 7

Prah, “State legislatures reflect election changeover”

Kelderman & Prah, “Report chronicles downside of term limits”

Lecture 18 State Legislatures

31 Oct Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 7

Vu, “New Fla. speaker takes office with 100 ideas”

Discussion 9 State Legislatures

1 Nov Reaction Paper #9 Due in main lecture, Oct 31

HOMECOMING: No Friday 2 Nov Discussion Sections (attend a Thurs section)

Lecture 19 Governors

5 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 8

Knapp, “Govs' salaries range from $1 to $206,500”

Lecture 20 Governors

7 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 8

Vock, “Govs enjoy quirky veto power”
Peterson, “Governors lose in power struggle over National Guard”

Discussion 10 Governors

8 or 9 Nov Reaction Paper #10 Due

Lecture 21 Veterans Day: NO CLASS

12 Nov

Lecture 22 State Courts

14 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 9

Vock, “Biz groups dominate judicial races”

Vestal, “Abortion ruling sets new state battle lines”

Discussion 11 State Courts

15 or 16 Nov Reaction Paper #11 Due

Lecture 23 Local Government

19 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 11

Lecture 24 Local Government: City of Gainesville & Alachua County

21 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 11

23 or 24 Nov Thanksgiving: NO SECTIONS

Section III: State & Local Public Policy

Lecture 25 State & Local Fiscal Policy

26 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 10

Prah, “41 states posting surpluses”
Prah, “Governors expect tighter budgets in 2008”

Lecture 26 The Politics of Place

28 Nov Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 12

Peirce, “Privatized neighborhoods - the future we want?”

Discussion 12 State & Local Fiscal Policy and The Politics of Place

29 or 30 Nov Reaction Paper #12 Due

Lecture 27 Morality Policy

3 Dec Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapter 13

Vestal, “Embryonic stem cell research divides states”
Vestal, “Gay marriage ripe for decision in 3 courts”

Lecture 28 Social Welfare, Health Care, and Education Policy

5 Dec Readings:

Donovan, Mooney, & Smith, chapters 14 & 15

Vestal, “Feds pinch state welfare programs”
Scheppach, “Universal Health Care: Stopping the Leadership Pendulum”

Peterson, “No letup in unrest over Bush school law”

FINAL EXAM (closed book, closed notes)

December 13 (Thurs), 7:30-9:30 am, L007 Turlington